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Europe has an extremely varied relief and some of the most popular natural sites have always been the lakes; partly because they usually provide an important source of food, but also because they are beautiful places that boost your mood and make you want to enjoy your time in the middle of nature.

Today we are going to visit four of some of the most fascinating, beautiful and popular lakes in Eastern Europe.

Lake Balaton in Hungary

Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Europe, covering an area of 600 square kilometers, with 78 kilometers long. Lake Balaton is a kind of substitute for the sea, since Hungary has no sea coast, and it is often called the “Hungarian Sea”.

And even if Hungarians have only a lake, topography and climate has helped so that the northern and southern half of the lake offers completely different attractions for tourists who want different things for their holiday.

Why visit?

In the southern half, between Siófok and Fonyód, you will meet a lot of resorts, sandy beaches, nightclubs, bars – no different from any other real summer resorts. This is fun for young people, but it is also preferred for families with children, and not only because of the resort’s sites, but also due to the characteristics of the lake, whose depth does not exceed three meters in this area. Furthermore, the beach season is fairly extensive, considering that the average temperature is 26 degrees Celsius from May to October.

Lakes in Eastern Europe

Lakes in Eastern Europe

The northern part of Lake Balaton is more “urban” with chic towns such as Keszthely, Badacsony and Balatonfüred with tourists who prefer walking by the lake, and enjoy the peace and relaxation of the vineyards, castles and hiking areas.

Tihany Peninsula is a very interesting spot, which almost splits the lake in two, an area where the lake’s depth reaches around 11.5 meters.

While in the area, do not miss a visit to the thermal lake of Hévíz, the largest of its kind in Europe; its water temperature does not exceed 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. Here, as well, you can also enjoy some time in Zalakaros, which is another spa resort sought by tourists.

Hungarians have always been able to explore to the maximum even the simplest location and transform it into a touristic attraction, and it is the same with Balaton, which is not just a destination, but a real beach or promenade spot that is among the most popular. During the season, more than 200 smaller or larger boats transit the lake and organize small cruises or other similar opportunities. Furthermore, both on the lake and in the adjacent area, tourists are offered a range of outdoor activities, from cycling (routes totaling 200 kilometers), windsurfing, sailing and water skiing.

For those active people who are addicted to adrenaline, places like Siofok and Balatonfüred feature several bungee jumping platforms and the most “quiet” tourists can opt for a tour of the vineyards and wineries in the area.

Lake Baikal, Siberia, Russia

Baikal is the largest and deepest lake in the world, and it reaches 1,642 meters deep and is a great attraction when it freezes. Photos taken during cold periods capture amazing ice carvings.

Why visit it?

This region has not been transformed by people and it attracts adventurers who are willing to endure even the most unfavorable conditions of the Russian frosty winters.

Morskie Oko– The Eye of the Sea, Poland

One of the largest and deepest lakes in the Tatra Mountains, is surrounded by lush landscapes. Is the most popular tourist destination in this mountain range, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Why visit?

There is a center for tourists and a cabin which offers visitors all touristic amenities at the highest levels.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

This natural reservation is one of the main attractions of the country. Mountainous landscapes and lakes with clear blue water have made the place one of the most famous and easily recognizable attractions in Europe. Throughout time water eroded the limestone structures which lead to karst formations. As a result, they formed numerous waterfalls, caves and lakes. Wildlife is also very varied: thanks to very low pollution and animal conservation, the unspoiled nature is home to many species.

Why visit?

There are several hiking trails: the main crosses the entire park and it takes 4-5 hours to go through. Boating clear water allows you to explore and see what is hiding in it.

Escaping the mundane world and retreating into nature or simply going abroad and visiting new places have always been great ways of relaxation. In a world which moves faster than ever and when time seems to no longer suffice, we have to find ways in which to recharge our batteries and keep up with the constant changes and demanding world around us.

While some aspire to travel the world in search of new adventures and detach themselves completely from their ordinary life, others are more ‘humble’ in their expectations and simply choose a resort far from their home city where they can leave aside their day-to-day troubles.

http://www.destination360.com/europe/hungary/lake-balaton

The citizens of Hungary and foreigners as well find their peace and quiet while going on a small vacation near Lake Balaton, the largest fresh water lake on the European continent. The conditions are not equivalent of those offered by a 5-stars hotel, but the fact remains that tourists have a great time here as there is an immense aqua park where they can enjoy themselves to the fullest.

Due to the fact that Hungary does not have a coastline, this particular lake is considered as being the country’s sea and many retreat here in order to escape the high temperatures recorded during the summertime.

http://www.discoverthetrip.com/city/tihany.html

Depending on what it is that you are looking for, you can opt between the northern or southern shore. While to the south you will encounter an amalgamation which consists of tall hotels, clubs, tasteless stands at every corner, and sandy beaches crowded with people, to the north, you will be presented with a more sophisticated image. The towns are quite appealing due to their architectural design and the quietness surrounding the area attracts a classier crowd.

There are definitely some points of high interests which will appeal to you. Among this, we will allude to the Tihany peninsula which runs almost through the middle of the lake. It is here where tourists can visit the small town which bears the same name and which is in itself a historical district. Just to give you a small insight into the historical importance of the area, you should know that Charles I, the last Habsburg Emperor of Austria, was imprisoned here after trying to take hold of the Hungarian throne for the second time.

http://commons.wikimedia.org

The region surrounding Lake Balaton abounds in wineries and castles and tourists are presented with a beautiful image in which sandy beaches merge with woodland.

Even so, there are many individuals who upon reaching the lake are not taken aback by the view, mainly because the water of the lake is shallow. But there is one thing which most of the times changes their minds almost instantly: when the sunrays touch the calm surface of the lake, tourists are offered a unique image as a multitude of colors dance on its surface.

About Eastern Europe

About Eastern Europe is a site that introduces you to the hidden charm of the eastern half of the Old Continent. Here you will find out about the major touristic sites of each country, and we will also present to you less known historical, cultural and geographic treasures that are less known to travelers worldwide. We gladly invite you to begin your tour on our site and decide which destination you will go to in your next holiday. We hope your bags are already packed, as you are one click
away!